MFA Interview at Job Centre Plus

Littlegraciesmummy

Hi, I currently sign on to have my stamp paid as my 6 months has expired for my contribution based JSA and have been invited for an interview with a MFA manager? Does anyone know what this is about? She mentioned something on the phone about new guidelines coming in, but I googled it and its to do with working and claiming at the same time which I am most certainly not doing!

I have applied for Uni in september and applied for a student loan through student finance (direct.gov) & wondered if this could be what has prompted her to interview me....apart from this I am worried, wondering what it is about.

Any help or info from anyone who has had experience of this would be great.

Thanks Sarah

DBGage

So you're signed on just to get your stamp paid?

Are you claiming JSA and not looking for work?

And you're worried you might be put into work because you've been on JSA for 6months?

Littlegraciesmummy

No..I am actively looking for work at the moment but have not found anything yet despite numerous interviews. I have worked full-time since being 18 (now 38) and was made redundant twice in a year before claiming JSA & feel a bit down and as if I needed to find a role with a bit more security than what I used to do so looked at my options and decided to apply for Uni to try and improve my skills etc ...didn't really expect to get in but I have.

As stated I have actively been looking for work since last September and still need to work until september this year when I start Uni & then I need to work part time to support myself onwards until I finish .....just wondered why I have been called for this MFA interview..... It just seems a little random. I have always attended all my JSA appointments, I did a 6 week employment help workshop earlier in the year and never had any query with my job diaries?? Just wanted a bit advice on what its all about really.

Thanks Sarah.

Littlegraciesmummy

Sorry didn't really answer what you asked...
Yes I sign to get my stamp paid
No I am not worried about getting put in work ...it would be great!

Sues48

They will probably try and "persuade" you to sign off as it is probably of no advantage for you to continue signing on. I take I from your user name you have a young child and are in receipt of child benefit? If this is the case, your "stamp" is protected http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/start/claiming/protect-pension.htm

Jobcentres are under enormous pressure to achieve offlow targets, ie the number of people leaving the JSA register and you have more than likely been selected for interview in order to see if it is of any benefit to you to continue signing.

If you've nothing to hide and are genuinely looking for work then you have nothing to worry about.